Two police officers have been awarded for bravery after one of them was stabbed with scissors in an attack which could have killed him.

Police Constables Tim Ward and Susan Hailes were commended for their bravery, tenacity and professionalism this week in detaining 48-year-old Alexander Holm - later jailed for seven years at the Old Bailey.

The pair were called out to Farmcote Road in Lee last February after a 999 operator heard a woman screaming for help. Her cries were cut short when Holm grabbed the phone from her and hung up.

When police arrived, the door swung open to reveal Holm brandishing a large pair of scissors. He tried to shut the door but the officers stopped him, by blocking it with heir feet.

Frustrated, Holm pulled the door back open again and then stabbed at PC Ward with the scissors.

Fortunately the blow hot PC Ward's body armour, but it was done with such force and violence that it knocked him off balance and he broke his ribs. 

In extreme pain and struggling to breathe PC Ward managed to deliver a baton strike and disarm the man.

But Holm continued to attack PC Ward, wrestling his baton off him and attempting to hit him with it. PC Hailes moved in to help her colleague, grabbing the baton back before a struggle which eventually led to Holm being restrained.

News Shopper: Alexander Holm

Holm, aged 48, of Albion Villas Road, Sydenham, was found guilty at the Old Bailey on August 12 last year of grievous bodily harm with intent, assaulting a person thereby occasioning them actual bodily harm and criminal damage to property.

The officers' actions were amongst the outstanding actions of the 42 police officers and police staff recognised on September 9 at The Warren Metropolitan Police Sports Club. 

Family and friends watched as commendations were presented by Acting Chief Superintendent Neil Evans and special guests Barry and Margaret Mizen.
 
At the end of the ceremony, the Asquith Gibbs award for community cohesion was given to to Brockley's tweeting policeman Sergeant Jon Biddle.
 
Ch Supt Evans said: "The commendations awarded are fantastic examples highlighting many acts of courage, tenacity and professional endeavour that were recognised at Tuesday's ceremony. 

"It is evident that everyday across both Lewisham and this great city, our London police officers put their lives on the line for those they serve. The awards in relation to the incident in Farmcote Road and the others presented were incredibly well deserved. I am incredibly proud of their achievements."